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Jim Yoder, Joe Brooks are hired as Blue Ridge coaches |
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Blue Ridge Principal Lib Balcerek has filled a pair of vacant coaching positions.
Jim Yoder has been named acting coach of the women's basketball team, and Joe Brooks has been named baseball coach. Yoder replaces Tom Dillard, who was fired after four seasons. Brooks is taking over for Chris Ray, who was transferred to Scotts Creek as a physical education teacher. Brooks was also hired as a P.E. teacher. Yoder is employed by the school system only as a coach. "We needed to have somebody to fill in to take care of basketball camps," Balcerek said of naming Yoder acting coach. "He has full responsibility." Balcerek said she was pleased to have somebody with Yoder's basketball background take over the program. She added that the parents of players were excited about his appointment. Yoder coached the Lady Bobcats to an 18-12 record in 1995-96. He has been involved in the program off and on for 10 years. This past season, he assisted Arnold Nicholson with the Bobcat men. "I'm very excited," Yoder said. "Tom Dillard has established a fine girls program. I hope to continue his winning ways and good program." He plans to take the players to a camp this summer and also have them get together for scrimmages. "I want the girls to get to know me and for me to get to know them," Yoder said. "We have some good students and good players." Yoder and Nicholson will continue their association. Nicholson will assist Yoder with the women, and Yoder will assist Nicholson with the men. Brooks has an extensive baseball background. He is former JV coach at Smoky Mountain and has coached Little League for many years. "We're really excited about having him," Balcerek said. "He's been with some of our younger children in Little League. The parents are excited about it." "I'm looking forward to it," Brooks said. "I know it's going to be a challenge. I'm excited to have the opportunity to be a head baseball job." |
Back to Sports: 06/29/00. |